'Time to just be'

Sisters who are sisters say they still enjoy doing God's work together

Sisters who are sisters say they still enjoy doing God's work together

December 24, 2006

Sisters of the Holy Cross Geralda Lamping, 84, Alice Lamping, 80, and Mary Ann Lamping, 78, are not only sisters in the religious order of Sisters of Holy Cross, but also biological sisters. The women have worked in many ministries internationally and locally. They recently sat down with staff writer May Lee Johnson to talk about their lives. How did you three sisters decide to become Sisters of Holy Cross?Geralda: I knew I wanted to be a sister since I was in first grade. I was taught by the Sisters of Holy Cross in Chicago, and they were so kind and loving to the students. So I came to Saint Mary's in my sophomore year and joined the sisters when I was a senior. That was Feb. 10, 1940. Mary Alice worked for a year after graduating and waited for my sister Mary Ann to graduate. Then they joined in 1946. Mary Ann wanted to marry and have 12 children like our mother, but she joined, too, after attending a dance one year. How did your parents feel about you all becoming sisters?Alice: My parents had 12 children, and they were very prayerful. My father would get down on his knee at night to pray. They were very accepting of our vocation choice. Plus my mother came to visit us at our convents, and when she fell ill, I lived with her and cared for her until she died. Was there anything strange about sisters becoming sisters when you entered the convent?Geralda: No. When we entered, there were at least three other sets of sisters in the community. There still are some sisters who are sisters here now. What kind of education did you receive as sisters?Mary Ann: We are all very well educated with formal degrees and certifications in our disciplines, and we all have advanced degrees. What is it like as biological sisters being religious sisters as well?Alice: It was wonderful to have my sisters in the order. Although we lived in different places, we were always close. Being Sisters of Holy Cross has allowed us to have more sisters. It all works out just fine. Right now is extra special because we are all living here at St. Mary's Convent together, and we get to see each other every day. Geralda and I are together every day. What's the difference between nuns and sisters?Geralda: Nuns are Cloisters, and that means they are more closed. They mostly work within their community and don't really socialize with others; they are not out in the world, where sisters are out and with the people both in the United States and internationally as well. In other words, they work with the people and the communities in which they live. What kinds of jobs have you had during your longevity with the community?Alice: We all were teachers at one time or another in our lives. I also worked in parishes, pastoral care, nursing and was in Bangladesh. Are you all retired now?Mary Ann: (laughing) No. We are still in active ministries. I make rosaries for our missions and craft shop here at the convent. Mary Ann makes cards and crochets baby booties for "Gifts for the Unborn," and Geralda knits scarves and sweaters, and her ministry is prayer. We don't retire; we'll work as long as we want to and are able. What is it you enjoy most about being Sisters of Holy Cross?Geralda: I remember when I was in grade school, the sisters used to have Penny Socials. Penny Socials were times of fun and food. But times were hard back then, and a lot of the children didn't have pennies. The sisters would walk around and give pennies to the children who didn't have money, and no one knew who had money and who didn't. Now who would not want to be like that? Sisters are very giving people, and I enjoy being one. Since sisters don't seem to retire, what's the best part of your life right now?Mary Ann: Our first purpose is to God and to work for His people. Right now, the best part of our lives is now we have time to just be. When we were all working in our different ministries, we never had time like this, to just be. Now it's like being on a wonderful retreat, and we don't have to go anywhere. Know of someone with a story to share? Contact May Lee Johnson at (574) 235-6326 or mjohnson@sbtinfo.com.